Ron PuFahl, 74
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 8 hours, 47 minutes AGO
PuFahl
Ron PuFahl, a deeply loved husband, dad, papa, brother, son-in-law, uncle and friend to all who knew him, passed away Dec. 1, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
When asked how he was doing, Ron’s answer was always the same … “Better than most," it wasn’t just a phrase; it was how he lived. He lived a mischievous childhood in Coeur d'Alene. He grew up in the big pink house across the street from the convent. There were so many things for kids to do in the '50s and '60s, and Ron tried them all, including many shenanigans with his brother and cousin. Ron attended St. Thomas Elementary & I.H.M. Catholic Academy, graduating in 1970.
After working several years at the Coeur d'Alene Press, he was transferred to Moses Lake in 1975 to become Circulation Director for the Columbia Basin Herald. It was there that he met his best friend and partner for life, Phyllis, and they married in Coeur d'Alene on April 8, 1978.
Ron loved his family more than anything else. Ron said yes to almost everything. Yes, to many travels, yes to cruises with Phyllis and adventures with his siblings. Yes, to celebrating family Christmas in July and the saga of the Salt Queen. Travel was a big part of Ron's life. He said yes to any hobby or interest, from taking geology classes to gardening, rock hounding, astronomy or fishing — he knew a lot about a lot. Ron lived with curiosity, generosity, humor and, most of all, Love. It truly was a life well lived.
Ron is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Phyllis, his son, Jason Archer (Dani) and grandsons Brodee and Ledger, his sister, Williene Gagnon (John), brother Terry PuFahl (Sandy), and sister Felicia Meshew (Dean), Phyllis's parents Marv and Nelda Stierlen, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends. His two Siamese cats, Norman and Ollie, are also missing him every day.
Ron faced life, even the hardest times, the same way he answered every question about how he was doing … “Better Than Most.”
In keeping with Ron's wishes, there will be no funeral. A celebration of life will be held at a later date where stories, laughter and memories will be shared — just as he wanted.